Once Upon A Forest: 4K Fan Remaster v1 (WIP)

I feel like at this point, home media studios like Criterion and Shout! Factory are missing out on breathing new life to give Once Upon A Forest a proper Blu-ray release, since the current HD print puts little to no effort in enhancing the picture fidelity, uncropping the aspect ratio, or correcting some parts of its coloration. And as much as it’ll disappoint passionate film restorationists (until a full 35mm film scan is preserved), the closest alternative we’ll get to a 4K remaster of the film, is by using ESRGAN-trained AI models to upscale/enhance the details based on the production cel artwork, and have the color correction (on some parts) a mix between the 2003 PAL DVD grade and the production cels.

Before upgrading to my new PC with better GPU processing, I experimented that approach with one of the screenshots where I used the 4x-DigitalFrames (2.1) and 4x-Eula-Anifilm models to enhance the character lineart while still retaining some film grain, and regraded the colors based on the 2003 PAL DVD transfer to reduce the saturated blue tint on the 2004 current print.

Example: https://sta.sh/011vx2x17yxs

As of this announcement, I’m beginning to process frames for the opening sequence using the 2.5 version of 4x-DigitalFrames model by Klexos (as well as a combination of the 2x-BigOldies and 2x-AnimeClassics-UltraLite models), and I’ll soon be up to date with you on how the test render will look like after tinkering on After Effects for the final edit.

EDIT 1 (01/10/24)
The 4K test renders on the opening sequence are available to display in SDR and HDR color spaces. Be constructive with your thoughts on this project before commenting.

URL: https://archive.org/details/ouaf-4k-fan-remaster-opening-sequence-test-renders

I was super hyped for this movie as a kid. Think I had a coloring book or storybook and everything. I don’t recall loving the actual movie, but I’m interested for nostalgia’s sake!

Please please PLEASE do the fan remake!! I’ve made an account in this website exclusively because I have been all over the internet researching this movie and trying to find good content of it. I’ve seen your Archive post and it looks absolutely gorgeous! This would be an absolute treasure to have and I would watch it often - with my daughter too ❤️ please please do make your “Blu-ray” anniversary edition 🙏🙏

Vanessanpeacock@gmail.com

KBJ Comix said:

I feel like at this point, home media studios like Criterion and Shout! Factory are missing out on breathing new life to give Once Upon A Forest a proper Blu-ray release, since the current HD print puts little to no effort in enhancing the picture fidelity, uncropping the aspect ratio, or correcting some parts of its coloration. And as much as it’ll disappoint passionate film restorationists (until a full 35mm film scan is preserved), the closest alternative we’ll get to a 4K remaster of the film, is by using ESRGAN-trained AI models to upscale/enhance the details based on the production cel artwork, and have the color correction (on some parts) a mix between the 2003 PAL DVD grade and the production cels.

Before upgrading to my new PC with better GPU processing, I experimented that approach with one of the screenshots where I used the 4x-DigitalFrames (2.1) and 4x-Eula-Anifilm models to enhance the character lineart while still retaining some film grain, and regraded the colors based on the 2003 PAL DVD transfer to reduce the saturated blue tint on the 2004 current print.

Example: https://sta.sh/011vx2x17yxs

As of this announcement, I’m beginning to process frames for the opening sequence using the 2.5 version of 4x-DigitalFrames model by Klexos (as well as a combination of the 2x-BigOldies and 2x-AnimeClassics-UltraLite models), and I’ll soon be up to date with you on how the test render will look like after tinkering on After Effects for the final edit.

EDIT 1 (01/10/24)
The 4K test renders on the opening sequence are available to display in SDR and HDR color spaces. Be constructive with your thoughts on this project before commenting.

URL: https://archive.org/details/ouaf-4k-fan-remaster-opening-sequence-test-renders

As below - please please do make it! It’s gorgeous and I’ve been lurking around the internet in anticipation waiting for you to do it
❤️❤️❤️